Katana Vidyalokha MV Scouts investiture ceremony
View(s):“I am very often invited to passing-out ceremonies of the Forces. At such ceremonies, what comes to mind is the picture of you children being awarded these badges because, you, the Scouts of today will be high officials in the Forces tomorrow.” So said chief incumbent of the Katana Sri Wardanaramaya, Ven. Karambe Sumana Thera, at the investiture ceremony of the Junior Scouts of Katana Vidyalokha Maha Vidayalaya, held on Feb.27, which was after an absence of 25 years, such a Scout Troop was formed at this school.
Speaking further, the Ven. Thera said “Today, in some schools, there are children who do not know how to even tie a knot to a flag or, hoist the National Flag. But Scouts know it. Teaching only the texts is insufficient. Teachers should teach them these skills too. I know well that, most Services personnel in senior positions today, were Scouts in their childhood.”
“During the recent local elections, some officers on duty, asked me for accommodation at my temple. I ask the media to give publicity to this, as the country should know this. Police officers left even without telling me. I had to roll up their mats and switch off the lights in the hall. However, the Navy officers had even swept the temple compound, before leaving.”
“This is the difference between the Scouts and others. Each badge you wear will make your life brighter in your future,” concluded the Ven. Thera. Katana Vidyalokha MV Principal R.P.D. Jayasantha in his address said, “This was a long felt need of our school. I thank especially, the poor parents burdened with family needs, who came forward willingly to allow their children join the Scouts troop. I strongly believe these Scouts will make history by forming themselves into an exemplary and well disciplined group in our school.’
There were about 34 Scouts, both boys and girls, who were awarded with membership Badges and District Badges. The Scouts Hut, built out of the surrounding flora was declared open by the Ven. Thera. Cool drinks from ‘beli mal’ sweetened with jaggary, was served in neatly cleaned coconut shells. ‘Kola path’ from arecanut trees, were used as trays to serve the refreshments.
ADC (Training) Lal Senarath Wickremasinghe and Katana Ayurvedic Traininig Centre Director Shanthi Madurawala also addressed the gathering. Principals of neighbouring schools and two Scout Commissioners also attended the occasion. K.L.Richard Walter Perera.